13 Teachings on Eating Maryada

[intrigued 1,005]

interesting read - https://aspiringbegampuri.blogspot.com/2021/01/teachings-on-eating-maryada.html

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These are some teachings on eating maryada that I learnt from elders, in vadiayala, and Granths. I hope to properly implement them as well and hopefully they are useful to others here too .

 1. Always cover your head while eating and remember Guru Mahraj before eating. This is mentioned in Rehatnamay as well.

 

2. To not speak much or unnecessarily while eating. This was heavily emphasized to us while we were studying in vadiayala in Punjab. This is mainly because when we talk, we don’t chew the food properly. Also to show respect and increase focus on the food.

 

3. Once you have taken your food, do not leave your food unattended. If you need something request someone nearby to get it for you. 

 

4. Keep your focus on the food you’re eating.

 

5. Never refuse someone in need of food, try your best to get it for them.

 

6. Do not flaunt or show off your food in public. Food is one of the four things to be kept gupt. 

 

7. Another useful tips is to listen to Gurbani /kirtan or katha while cooking and eating as it nourishes your food making it Amrit bhojan.

 

8. Try making it a practice to read this Salok before eating so that the food you eat doesn’t produce vices in yourself. 

 

9. It’s also important to note that who cooks and how our food is cooked affects us because of the energy/vibes. If on some day, your mind is not being able to focus in meditation as usual or is not at peace for no particular reason, it could be because of your food source. Before Sri Guru Amar Das Ji met Guru Angad Dev ji, they met a Sadhu who once ate in their house. On leaving, when the sadhu realised that Guru ji at the time was without a Guru, the Sadhu became angry and told Guru ji that, by eating with him, he the sadhu had lost all his spiritual wealth that he earned after years of meditation. Guru Ji got very sad after this incident & was even more determined to find a Guru. This factors are the reason why saints are usually particular who they eat from and what they eat because it affects their meditation.

 

10. If you have suspicion on the food you’re going to eat and have no other choice. Recite Mool Mantar and “Tav Parsad Sarab Bharam Ka Naas”. This practice is said to be given by Kalgidhar Patshah to Singhs at Machiwara when kirphan bhet was done for the food given by Muslims when they brought Maharaj on palanquin disguised as Uch da Peer. 

 

11. Wash your hands before eating. 

 

12. Avoid eating before doing Japji Sahib and Rehras Sahib. 

 

 

 

13. When the food is ready we should have it immediately as a sign of respect. This is a teaching from Guru Arjan Dev Ji Mahraj as well where they stopped recitation of Basant Ki Vaar (which only has 3 paurhia) immediately when their sewadar told them the Langgar is ready. 

 

 

[AcceptWill201 83]

Vaheguru

Yes I noted this unwritten Marayada exists amongst the older generation of Gursikhs and I noted this with a number of Saints that das has had the good fortune of meeting. During a number of stays in india when visiting the dals a few years back I saw this in effect. Similarly in taksaals and deras with vidiyalas the students would sit together and follow the above during langar. Many of the younger ppl there dont seem to know the reason but it's a tradition that is carried on for generations.

Only thing I noticed is now younger ppl just have the phone out and distracted with it while eating.

The Singhs also recited these two pangatis but I think theres a few more but can't recall:

ਜਿਸਦਾ ਦਿਤਾ ਖਾਵਣਾ ਤਿਸੁ ਕਹੀਐ ਸਾਬਾਸਿ ॥

Jis Dhaa Dhithaa Khaavanaa This Keheeai Saabaas ||

Let us all celebrate Him, from whom we receive our nourishment.

ਨਾਨਕ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਨ ਚਲਈ ਨਾਲਿ ਖਸਮ ਚਲੈ ਅਰਦਾਸਿ ॥੨੨॥

Naanak Hukam N Chalee Naal Khasam Chalai Aradhaas ||22||

O Nanak, no one can issue commands to the Lord Master; let us offer prayers instead. ||22||

 

ਦਦਾ ਦਾਤਾ ਏਕੁ ਹੈ ਸਭ ਕਉ ਦੇਵਨਹਾਰ ॥

Dhadhaa Dhaathaa Eaek Hai Sabh Ko Dhaevanehaar ||

DADDA: The One Lord is the Great Giver; He is the Giver to all.

ਦੇਂਦੇ ਤੋਟਿ ਨ ਆਵਈ ਅਗਨਤ ਭਰੇ ਭੰਡਾਰ ॥

Dhaenadhae Thott N Aavee Aganath Bharae Bhanddaar ||

There is no limit to His Giving. His countless warehouses are filled to overflowing.

[Kau89r8 2,046]

Really interesting. Thanks for sharing 

[intrigued 1,005]

6 hours ago, AcceptWill201 said:

Vaheguru

Yes I noted this unwritten Marayada exists amongst the older generation of Gursikhs and I noted this with a number of Saints that das has had the good fortune of meeting. During a number of stays in india when visiting the dals a few years back I saw this in effect. Similarly in taksaals and deras with vidiyalas the students would sit together and follow the above during langar. Many of the younger ppl there dont seem to know the reason but it's a tradition that is carried on for generations.

Only thing I noticed is now younger ppl just have the phone out and distracted with it while eating.

The Singhs also recited these two pangatis but I think theres a few more but can't recall:

ਜਿਸਦਾ ਦਿਤਾ ਖਾਵਣਾ ਤਿਸੁ ਕਹੀਐ ਸਾਬਾਸਿ ॥

Jis Dhaa Dhithaa Khaavanaa This Keheeai Saabaas ||

Let us all celebrate Him, from whom we receive our nourishment.

ਨਾਨਕ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਨ ਚਲਈ ਨਾਲਿ ਖਸਮ ਚਲੈ ਅਰਦਾਸਿ ॥੨੨॥

Naanak Hukam N Chalee Naal Khasam Chalai Aradhaas ||22||

O Nanak, no one can issue commands to the Lord Master; let us offer prayers instead. ||22||

 

ਦਦਾ ਦਾਤਾ ਏਕੁ ਹੈ ਸਭ ਕਉ ਦੇਵਨਹਾਰ ॥

Dhadhaa Dhaathaa Eaek Hai Sabh Ko Dhaevanehaar ||

DADDA: The One Lord is the Great Giver; He is the Giver to all.

ਦੇਂਦੇ ਤੋਟਿ ਨ ਆਵਈ ਅਗਨਤ ਭਰੇ ਭੰਡਾਰ ॥

Dhaenadhae Thott N Aavee Aganath Bharae Bhanddaar ||

There is no limit to His Giving. His countless warehouses are filled to overflowing.

I also do these pangtia;

ਮਃ ੫ ॥

Fifth Mehla:

 

ਨਾਨਕ ਭੁਸਰੀਆ ਪਕਾਈਆ ਪਾਈਆ ਥਾਲੈ ਮਾਹਿ ॥

O Nanak, the loaves of bread are baked and placed on the plate.

 

ਜਿਨੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਮਨਾਇਆ ਰਜਿ ਰਜਿ ਸੇਈ ਖਾਹਿ ॥੩॥

Those who obey their Guru, eat and are totally satisfied. ||3||

 

Guru Arjan Dev Ji in Raag Maaroo - 1096

 

ਅਸਟਪਦੀ ॥

Ashtapadee:

 

ਜਿਹ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ਛਤੀਹ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਖਾਹਿ ॥

By His Grace, you partake of the thirty-six delicacies;

 

ਤਿਸੁ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਕਉ ਰਖੁ ਮਨ ਮਾਹਿ ॥

enshrine that Lord and Master within your mind.

 

Guru Arjan Dev Ji in Raag Gauree - 269

[AcceptWill201 83]

1 hour ago, intrigued said:

I also do these pangtia;

ਮਃ ੫ ॥

Fifth Mehla:

 

ਨਾਨਕ ਭੁਸਰੀਆ ਪਕਾਈਆ ਪਾਈਆ ਥਾਲੈ ਮਾਹਿ ॥

O Nanak, the loaves of bread are baked and placed on the plate.

 

ਜਿਨੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਮਨਾਇਆ ਰਜਿ ਰਜਿ ਸੇਈ ਖਾਹਿ ॥੩॥

Those who obey their Guru, eat and are totally satisfied. ||3||

 

Guru Arjan Dev Ji in Raag Maaroo - 1096

 

ਅਸਟਪਦੀ ॥

Ashtapadee:

 

ਜਿਹ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ਛਤੀਹ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਖਾਹਿ ॥

By His Grace, you partake of the thirty-six delicacies;

 

ਤਿਸੁ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਕਉ ਰਖੁ ਮਨ ਮਾਹਿ ॥

enshrine that Lord and Master within your mind.

 

Guru Arjan Dev Ji in Raag Gauree - 269

Ah yes. Thanks for sharing,  gna add it in too!